Strong 2nd of Prezinheira

Category: Military Architecture > Fort

District: Lisboa > Mafra > Milharado > Prezinheira

Location

The 2nd Fort of Prezinheira is located in the locality of Milharado, municipality of Mafra, forming part of the Prezinheira area. Built at an altitude of 234 meters, its elevated position allows for a vast perspective of the surrounding rural landscape, offering a tranquil environment and contact with the nature of the Mafra territory.

Historical Testimony

This fortification is an important vestige of 19th-century military architecture, an integral part of the defensive system of the Lines of Torres Vedras. Known as "Military Work nº 53," the fort was one of many structures erected to protect Lisbon from the French Invasions. Its presence recalls a crucial period in Portuguese history, when the defense of the territory became a priority.

Defensive Purpose

The 2nd Fort of Prezinheira was designed to house a garrison of approximately 230 soldiers and was equipped with two 9-caliber artillery pieces. The troops stationed here were mainly composed of militias and ordonnances from the Mafra region, armed with Baker carbines and Brown Bess muskets, playing a vital role in the Lecor Division. The robustness and design of the fort reflect its strategic function within the defense system.

Legacy and Preservation

Currently, the 2nd Fort of Prezinheira is recognized as a relevant historical-cultural landmark. Its classification as an integral part of the Lines of Torres Vedras ensures its protection and valorization. The good state of preservation of the fort allows visitors to appreciate and understand the importance of this defensive structure, connecting the present to a past of determination and resilience.

License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt